Men's 1964 Australia Olympic diving trunks
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1964
Object number00019034
NameSwimsuit
MediumBri-nylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 300 x 340 mm, 0.06 kg
Display dimensions: 300 x 340 mm
Clothing size: 34
Display dimensions: 300 x 340 mm
Clothing size: 34
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThe Australian diving team's trunks for the Tokyo Olympics were solid gold in colour and made from double thickness nylon. This gave support and freedom of movement for divers performing feats of strength and agility in the air, and protection upon entry into the water.
The trunks were produced in Australia by Speedo, and feature a yellow gauze gusset, yellow cotton seams and a white nylon cord drawstring waist. On the left hip is a machine embroidered Australian fabric shield.HistoryIn 1955 Speedo introduced nylon into its competitive swimwear range. The 1956 Olympics in Melbourne saw the widespread use of the new fabric, as well as a change in men's swimwear design.
At the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games the Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) allowed men to swim skirtless. At this time trunks were still to the waist with 20cm side seams. The development of Speedo's brief design followed the competition guidelines dictated by FINA. The process of lowering the waist and raising the leg line was a slow, though by 1972 FINA had allowed men to swim in suits with 5 cm side seams.SignificanceThough not actually worn during the Tokyo Olympics, these trunks demonstrate the designs and technologies incorporated into Speedo's Olympic uniforms in the 1960s.Canterbuury, under license from Speedo
1964